India tightens antibiotic regulations to combat superbugs

INDIA – India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has introduced stricter regulations on antibiotic residues in meat, eggs, milk, and fish as part of a nationwide effort to curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

These measures aim to address the growing public health threat of drug-resistant infections, often called “superbugs.”

The revised standards lower the maximum permissible antibiotic residue levels and expand the watchlist of restricted substances in animal-derived foods.

This regulatory overhaul aligns with India’s broader commitment to reduce antibiotic use in livestock farming by 50% by 2030.  

India’s increasing consumer demand for safer, sustainable food has accelerated these regulatory changes. According to a GlobalData survey, food safety perceptions significantly influence consumer choices, especially as the country expands its food export markets. 

Additionally, the overuse of antibiotics in livestock has been directly linked to the emergence of AMR, which compromises the effectiveness of critical treatments in human medicine.  

Globally, a study by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), using data from 204 countries, indicates that without significant interventions, AMR could cause livestock production losses equivalent to the annual consumption needs of 746 million people in a moderate scenario and more than two billion people in a severe one. 

Livestock sectors, particularly cattle and poultry, are expected to be hit hardest, which will have devastating effects on global food supplies.

Recent investigations by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism revealed misuse of antibiotics in India’s poultry industry, with some companies marketing drugs critical to human health as growth promoters or for preventive use—practices condemned by the World Health Organization (WHO).  

Collaborative efforts needed  

Experts emphasise the need for nationwide enforcement and collaboration between government bodies and farmers for the regulations to have a meaningful impact. Educational initiatives to raise awareness of AMR risks and sustainable farming practices are essential.  

Medical experts at the EuroAsia 2024 conference in Bengaluru highlighted AMR’s alarming toll in India, where an estimated 1.2 million people die annually from drug-resistant infections. 

Without decisive action, this figure could rise to 10 million annually by 2050, posing severe challenges to healthcare systems.  

India’s tightened antibiotic regulations resonate globally, particularly as international stakeholders push for sustainable livestock production practices. Recently, 26 poultry organisations worldwide endorsed common principles for antimicrobial stewardship, marking a collective step toward combating AMR.  

The FSSAI’s proactive stance underscores India’s dual commitment to public health and global food safety standards, setting an example for sustainable livestock farming practices.

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